Modular transaction card

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, system, methods and components related to a modular card. Example components of the modular card include a thin rectangular rear plate, a thin rectangular front plate overlying the rear plate, a first plurality of fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular front plate, a second plurality of fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular rear plate, the second plurality of fasteners being configured to be removably engaged with the first plurality of fasteners; a magnetic strip, and/or an integrated circuit. In operation a user may remove and/or replace various components to customize the modular card. Some customizations include altering the accounts to which the modular card relates. In some example, the modular card may include components which relate to different accounts.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a modular payment card with at least onecomponent that can be removed or replaced.

BACKGROUND

Payment cards, such as credit cards and debit cards, are a rapidlygrowing industry and are used by a majority of modern households. Whilepayment cards make transactions relatively quick and easy, changing theappearance or configuration of a payment card is a time-consumingprocess. As payment cards become increasingly associated with a user'scultural identity, users wish to edit the appearance of a card moreoften.

Previously, in order to change the appearance of a payment card, a userwould have to order an entirely new payment card from the card issuinginstitution and cancel the existing card. In some cases, this resultedin a new payment card number being issued which would require the userto update any established payment accounts, such as online accounts,which relied upon the previous payment card number. Once a new card isordered, the user may have to wait several days for the new card toarrive and may be without any working payment card during this period.

Traditionally, when a payment card is replaced, the entire card would bereplaced. This required the replacement of components of the card whichwere still functional and potentially expensive.

Accordingly, there is a need for a payment card which allows the user tocustomize its appearance and/or configuration without requesting a newcard or cancelling the existing card. Such a card may also create theability to replace components of a card while continuing to use othercomponents, thereby avoiding unnecessary waste and expense.

What is needed is a modular card with removable and/or replaceablecomponents which allows the user to configure a card quickly and easily.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an object of this disclosure to describe a modulepayment card with components that are removable and/or replaceable.

It is another object of the invention to describe a payment card thatcan be customized by the user quickly and easily so that the user canalter the appearance of the card based on holidays, special events, orsimple preference.

It is a further object of the invention to describe a payment card thatcan have functional components easily replaced so that the user canalter function of the card and the accounts linked to the card easily.

It is yet another object of the invention to describe a card that avoidsunnecessary replacement expense by allowing the replacement ofparticular components while reusing other components.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular payment cardcomprising a thin rectangular rear plate, a thin rectangular front plateoverlying the thin rectangular rear plate, a first plurality offasteners fixed to the thin rectangular front plate, a second pluralityof fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular rear plate, and at least oneof a magnetic strip and an integrated circuit fixed to the thinrectangular rear plate. The second plurality of fasteners on the rearplate may be configured to be removably engaged with the first pluralityof fasteners on the front plate.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of replacing acomponent of a modular payment card comprising the steps of separating athin rectangular rear plate from a thin rectangular front plateoverlying the thin rectangular rear plate such that a first plurality offasteners fixed to the thin rectangular front plate disengage from asecond plurality of fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular rear plate.Then, removing at least one of an integrated circuit or a magnetic stripfrom the thin rectangular rear plate and reattaching the thinrectangular rear plate to the thin rectangular front plate.

Further embodiments of the disclosed system relate to a modular paymentcard comprising a thin rectangular plate, a first slot formed in thethin rectangular plate configured to receive an integrated circuit, asecond slot formed in the thin rectangular plate configured to receive amagnetic strip, and a plurality of fasteners fixed to the thinrectangular plate and configured to removably attach the thinrectangular plate to an object.

Further features of the disclosed designs, and the advantages offeredthereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference tospecific example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example embodiment of a rear plate.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example embodiment of a front plate.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example embodiment of a modular card withan example modular integrated circuit.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of a modular card withan example modular magnetic strip.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an example embodiment of a modular cardwith an example modular magnetic strip.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example embodiment of a modular card withfasteners.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example embodiment of a modular card witha retaining groove.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method of utilizing themodular card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description of embodiments provides non-limitingrepresentative examples referencing numerals to particularly describefeatures and teachings of different aspects of the invention. Theembodiments described should be recognized as capable of implementationseparately, or in combination, with other embodiments from thedescription of the embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the artreviewing the description of embodiments should be able to learn andunderstand the different described aspects of the invention. Thedescription of embodiments should facilitate understanding of theinvention to such an extent that other implementations, not specificallycovered but within the knowledge of a person of skill in the art havingread the description of embodiments, would be understood to beconsistent with an application of the invention. It will be appreciatedthat the figures may not reflect an accurate sense of scale. The figuresare intended to be illustrative and to inform the reader regardingpotential relationships between various components. A person of ordinaryskill in the art reviewing the figures should be able to learn andunderstand the different described aspects of the illustratedembodiments.

A modular card is described herein. It will be appreciated that whileexample embodiments are generally described in terms of credit cards,the disclosed cards, components, methods, and techniques may be appliedto debit cards, payment cards, access cards, security cards, smartcards, identification cards, loyalty cards, and the like.

An example embodiment of a disclosed modular credit card comprises arectangular rear plate, with an interior face and an exterior face, anda rectangular front plate, with an interior face and an exterior face. Afirst set of fasteners is fixed to the interior face of the front plate.A second set of fasteners is fixed to the interior face of the rearplate. In some embodiments a magnetic strip is fixed to the exteriorface of the rear plate and/or an integrated circuit is fixed to theinterior face of the rear plate. In some embodiments, the front platecomprises a cut out located to allow access to the integrated circuitfixed to the interior face of the rear plate. In some embodiments, thecut out may be substantially the same size and/or dimensions as theintegrated circuit. In some embodiments, the cut out in the front platemay be smaller than the integrated circuit, thereby allowing the frontplate to retain the integrated circuit within the modular card when thefront plate is engaged with the rear plate.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example embodiment of the exterior face of therear plate 110. A magnetic strip 150 is fixed to the exterior face ofthe rear plate 110. It will be appreciated that other information mayalso be included on the exterior face of the rear plate including, butnot limited to, user name, signature block, account number, expirationdate, record keeping numbers, contact information and/or informationrelated to the card issuer.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example embodiment of the interior face of therear plate 110. A set of fasteners 120 and an integrated circuit 160 isfixed to the interior face of the rear plate.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example embodiment of the exterior face of thefront plate 210. The exterior of the front plate is the portion of acard most commonly decorated and/or customized to achieve a particularappearance and/or aesthetic. Front plate 210 may have a cut-out 220arranged to allow access to an integrated circuit fixed to the interiorface of the rear plate when the front and rear plates of a card areassembled.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example embodiment of the interior face of thefront plate 210. The interior face of the front plate includes a set offasteners 230 arranged to releaseably engage with a complementary set offasteners on the interior face of the rear plate.

Unlike traditional credit cards, the components of the disclosed modularcredit card may be replaced, changed, updated, and/or swapped with othersimilar components. For example, the front plate of the module card maybe replaced with a second front plate which has a different design onthe exterior face. A user may install a seasonal theme front plate ontothe module card in the summer and replace the front plate with athanks-giving themed front plate in the fall. Similarly, a user mayinstall a front plate with a celebratory design on the user's birthday.A user may install a plain and/or professional front plate whileattending a work event and then switch to a sports themed front platelater in the same evening.

In addition to customizing the appearance of the modular card byswitching the front plates, the user may swap between multipleintegrated circuits and/or magnetic strips as well. A modular integratedcircuit may be configured to endure multiple and/or frequent replacementand the associated handling of the integrated circuit. In someembodiments, the integrated circuit may be attached to a supportivesubstrate and/or backing in order to improve the durability and/orrigidity of the integrated circuit. Similarly, in some embodiments, amodular magnetic strip may comprise a thin magnetic film and/or maycomprise a substrate in order to improve the durability of the modularmagnetic strip. In some embodiments, the module magnetic strip and/ormodule integrated circuit may further comprise a slot, snap, or otherfastening mechanism in order to retain the modular magnetic strip and/orintegrated circuit in the assembled module credit card.

In some embodiments, when the rear plate and front plate are assembledtogether, the assembled modular credit card resembles and issubstantially indistinguishable from a traditional credit card. Thefasteners on the interior of the front and rear plates engage tomaintain the credit card in an assembled state, allowing the user toswipe the magnetic strip on the rear of the card, dip the card into acard reader to utilize the integrated circuit for a contact basedtransaction, and/or tap the card near a card reader to utilize a theintegrated circuit for a contactless transaction.

Embodiments of the modular card or modular components may comprise asubstrate or multiple substrates for each modular component. Substratesmay include, but are not limited to, a single layer or one or morelaminated layers composed of plastics, metals, and other materials.Exemplary substrate materials include polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate,polyesters, anodized titanium, palladium, gold, carbon, paper, andbiodegradable materials. In some examples, the modular card or modularcomponents may have physical characteristics compliant with the ID-1format of the ISO/IEC 7810 standard, and the card may otherwise becompliant with the ISO/IEC 14443 standard. However, it is understoodthat the modular card and/or modular components according to the presentdisclosure may have different characteristics, and the presentdisclosure does not require a modular card to be implemented in apayment card. Additionally, in some payment card embodiments, themodular card may not comply with industry standards. In someembodiments, the modular card may be thicker, taller, longer, orotherwise different than directed by industry standards. Suchembodiments may be prevented from being inserted into astandard-compliant card reader. In some embodiments, this allows forincreased security depending on the user's anticipated use of the card.

In some embodiments, the integrated circuit may be a contactlesscommunication circuit. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit mayinclude an antennae, transmitter, receiver, power harvesting circuit,and/or communications circuit. In some embodiments, the integratedcircuit may be configured to communicate wirelessly including, forexample, communicating using the EMV protocol, BlueTooth, NFC, and/orWi-Fi signals.

In some embodiments, the integrated circuit may include a memory or themodular card may include an separate memory. In some embodiments, thememory may be a read-only memory, write-once read-multiple memory orread/write memory, e.g., ROM and EEPROM, and the contactless card mayinclude one or more of these memories or combinations of these memories.A read-only memory may be factory programmable as read-only or one-timeprogrammable. One-time programmability provides the opportunity to writeonce then read many times. A write once/read-multiple memory may beprogrammed at a point in time after the memory chip has left thefactory. Once the write once memory is programmed, it may not berewritten, but it may be read many times. A read/write memory may beprogrammed and re-programed many times after leaving the factory. It mayalso be read many times.

A traditional credit card is about 30 mils ( 1/1,000th of an inch)thick. In order for some embodiments of the disclosed modular creditcard to operate with traditional card readers, the total thickness ofthe assembled module card is about the same thickness. It will beappreciated that in some embodiments, the front plate and rear platehave a combined thickness of about 30 mils, but the front plate and rearplate are not required to be the same thickness.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the rear plate is less than about25 mils, or less than about 20 mils, or less than about 15 mils, or lessthan about 10 mils. In some embodiments, the thickness of the rear plateis greater than about 20 mils, or less greater about 15 mils, or greaterthan about 10 mils or greater than about 5 mils.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the front plate is less than about20 mils, or less than about 15 mils, or less than about 10 mils, or lessthan about 5 mils. In some embodiments, the thickness of the front plateis greater than about 15 mils, or greater than about 10 mils, or greaterthan about 5 mils, or greater than about 3 mils.

In some embodiments, the primary purpose of the front plate is aestheticand the rear plate supports all or the majority of the functionalcomponents such as, for example, a magnetic strip and/or integratedcircuit. In some embodiments, the rear plate may be thicker, moredurable, and/or more rigid relative to the front plate. In someembodiments, it is anticipated that the user may replace the front platemore frequently than the rear plate, thereby reducing the need for thefront plate withstand the stresses of regular use for an extended periodof time.

In some embodiments, the interior face of the rear plate includes anindentation configured to receive the integrated circuit. In suchembodiments, the indentation may be as deep as the integrated circuit isthick. In this configuration one face of the integrated circuit is flushwith the interior face of the rear plate while the other face of theintegrated circuit is embedded within the rear plate. In suchembodiments, the rear plate will be at least somewhat thicker than theintegrated circuit.

In some embodiments, an indentation in the rear plate configured toreceive the integrated circuit may be designed to allow the integratedcircuit to extend beyond the interior face of the rear plate. In someembodiments, the indention may be designed so that the integratedcircuit extends beyond the interior face of the rear plate by an amountsubstantially equal to the thickness of the front plate. In suchembodiments, the integrated circuit may extend through a cut-out in thefront plate and be substantially flush with the exterior face of thefront plate.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of thedisclosed modular credit card. In some embodiments, rear plate 310 isthicker than front plate 320. Integrated circuit 330 is recessed into anindention in the rear plate 310, extends beyond the interior face of therear plate 310 and through a cut out (not shown) in the front plate 320so that the integrated is flush or substantially flush with the exteriorface of the front plate 320. In some embodiments, the rear plate may notinclude an indention for receiving the integrated circuit. In suchembodiments, the front plate may include a cut out configured to receivethe integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be maintained in thedesired position by the cut out in the front plate and the attachment ofthe front plate to the rear plate.

In some embodiments, the exterior face of the rear plate includes anindentation configured to receive a modular magnetic strip. Theindentation may be configured to be substantially the same depth as themodular magnetic strip is thick to position the surface of the magneticstrip substantially flush with the exterior face of the rear plate.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of thedisclosed module credit card. In some embodiments, the rear plate 310comprises an indention for the modular magnetic strip 340.

In some embodiments, the modular magnetic strip is slidably insertedinto a groove or recession in the rear plate. FIG. 4A illustrates a zoomin view of rear plate 410 configured with a retaining groove to slide amodule magnetic strip 420 into the rear plate 410. As seen in theembodiment of FIG. 4A, retaining groove includes projections 430 whichcause the opening of the retaining groove to be at least somewhatnarrower than the modular magnetic strip. Accordingly, the modularmagnetic strip 420 may slide into the retaining groove and be retainedin position by the projections 430.

In some embodiments, the retaining projections cause the magnetic stripto be at least somewhat recessed from the exterior face of the rearplate. In some embodiments, the modular magnetic strip is formed matingprojections of its own which allow the surface of the modular magneticstrip to be flush with the exterior surface of the rear plate while themodular magnetic strip is installed in the rear plate.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example embodiment in which the modular magneticstrip 440 is configured to have retaining projections 450. The retainingprojections of the modular magnetic strip 450 are arranged to mate withthe rear plate projections 460 so that the surface of the modularmagnetic strip 440 may be substantially flush with the exterior surfaceof the rear plate 470. In such embodiments, the modular magnetic stripmay be slide into the retaining groove of the rear plate.

In some embodiments, the rear plate comprises a cut-out which allows themodular magnetic strip to be retained within the rear plate whileexposing the surface of the modular magnetic strip to be used for makingtransactions and/or conveying information. In some embodiments, themodular magnetic strip includes retaining projections as described withrespect to FIG. 4B. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4B, in embodimentscomprising a cut-out in the rear plate for a modular magnetic strip, thecut-out does not extend to the edges of the rear plate. The cut out inthe rear plate may be configured to be slightly less wide than themodular magnetic strip or the retaining projections of the modularmagnetic strip. In some embodiments, the modular magnetic stripcomprises retaining projections on both the lengthwise edge and thewidthwise edge. In such embodiments, the modular magnetic stripcomprises a retaining projection around all or substantially all of themagnetic strip. The retaining projections may be configured to allow themodular magnetic strip to be inserted into the cut-out of the rear plateand then held in position when the front plate is attached to the rearplate.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example embodiment of rear plate 510 with cut out520. FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the shorter, width, side of rearplate 510 with a modular magnetic strip 530 inserted into the cut-out.FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the longer side of rear plate 510with a modular magnetic strip 530 inserted into the cut out.

In some embodiments, the front plate includes a micro-ridge on theinterior face of the front plate and/or the rear plate includes amicro-ridge on the interior face of the rear plate. In some embodiments,a micro-ridge on the interior face of the front plate engages with amicro-ridge on the interior face of the rear plate to prevent the frontplate and rear plate form moving relative to each other in at least onedirection.

In some embodiments, the front plate and rear plate include at least twomicro-ridges on their respective interior faces. In such embodiments,the additional micro-ridge of the front and rear plates engage toprevent the front plate and rear plate from moving relative to eachother in an additional, second direction.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example embodiment of the interior face of a rearplate 610 with fasteners 620, an integrated circuit 630, a firstmicro-ridge 640 and a second micro-ridge 650. In some embodiments, thefirst and second micro-ridge may cross where they intersect. In someembodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the first and/or secondmicro-ridge may be in two or more portions on either side of the othermicro-ridge. While fasteners are included in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6A, not every embodiment of the disclosed modular card will includefasteners. In some embodiments, a front plate and rear plate may beassembled using retaining grooves, micro-ridges, magnets, snappingengagement, and/or adhesive materials.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example embodiment of the interior of a frontplate with fasteners, a cut-out for an integrated circuit, a firstmicro-ridge 640 and a second micro-ridge 650. In some embodiments, themicro ridges on the interior faces of the front and rear plates limitthe movement of the front and rear plate relative to each other. Thismay serve to support and/or reinforce the engagement of the fasteners ofthe front plate to the fasteners of the rear plate.

In some embodiments, micro-ridges and/or fasteners may be used incombination with a retaining groove in order assemble the front and rearplates of the disclosed modular card. In some embodiments, the rearplate and/or the front plate may have a retaining groove, configured toreceive to other plate. In some embodiments, the receiving groove may belocated on two opposing edges of a plate, for example, on both lengthwise edges of the rear plate. In some embodiments, three sides of thefront and/or rear plate may include a retaining groove so that theopposing plate may be slid into the retaining groove.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example embodiment of a rear plate 710 with aretaining groove 720 on three sides. FIG. 7B illustrates a side viewfrom the side of the rear plate 710 which does not include a retaininggroove 720. FIG. 7B illustrates a front plate 730 inserted into theretaining groove 720 such that the front plate 730 may only be moverelative to the rear plate 710 one direction. In some embodiments, theretaining groove may be considered a cut out. In such embodiments, thecut out or retaining groove, may be configured to restrain movement ofthe front plate in a plane substantially parallel to the rear plate.

It will be appreciated that any combination of retaining grooves,fasteners, micro-ridges, and other methods of attaching the front andrear plates may be utilized. The disclosed fasteners may include anyfastener suitable of attaching the front plate to the rear plate. Insome embodiments, the plurality of fasteners on the front plate areconfigured to engage with the plurality of fasteners on the rear plateby snap fit. In such embodiments, either the front plate or back platemay comprise entirely male snap components or entirely female snapcomponents. In some embodiments, fasteners may alternate male and femalesnap components or use any other pattern, including, for example, randomplacement, of interlocking snap components. In some embodiments, thefasteners of the front and/or rear plate may be made of non-deformablematerial.

In some embodiments, the fasteners of the rear plate extend outward fromthe rear plate toward the front plate and the fasteners of the frontplate are configured to receive the fasteners of the rear plate. In someembodiments, the fasteners of the front plate extend outward from thefront plate toward the rear plate and the fasteners of the rear plateare configured to receive the fasteners of the front plate.

In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners on the front plate areconfigured to engage with the plurality of fasteners on the rear platemagnetically. In some embodiments the front and/or rear plate maycomprise magnetic fasteners while the other plate comprises fastenerscomprising a material that is attracted to magnetic fasteners. In someembodiments the front plate or rear plate may comprise magneticfasteners while the other plate comprises a material that is attractedto magnetic fasteners and does not include distinct fasteners. In anexample embodiment, a rear plate may include magnetic fasteners and thefront plate may be made of or comprise a thin rectangular sheet ofmetal.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fasteners on the frontplate is located near a corner of the thin rectangular front plate, andeach of the plurality of fasteners on the rear plate is located near acorner of the thin rectangular rear plate.

In some embodiments, the disclosed modular card comprises a magneticstrip and magnetic fasteners. In order to avoid interfering with theoperation, data storage, and/or data transmission of the magnetic, themagnetic fasteners may be offset from the magnetic strip in a directionparallel to a plane of the thin rectangular rear plate. For example, insome embodiments, the magnetic fasteners are not positioned directlyopposite, behind, and/or under the magnetic strip.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of replacing a component ofa modular payment card. Method 800 may reference the same or similarcomponents as illustrated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG.3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, FIG. 6A, FIG.6B, FIG. 7A and/or FIG. 7B.

Method 800 may commence in step 810 with separating a thin rectangularrear plate from a thin rectangular front plate overlying the thinrectangular rear plate such that a first plurality of fasteners fixed tothe thin rectangular front plate disengage from a second plurality offasteners fixed to the thin rectangular rear plate. In some embodiments,the rear plate may be separated from the front plate by lifting one endof the front plate away from the rear plate, by sliding the front platerelative to the rear plate, and/or by twisting the front plate relativeto the rear plate. Step 820 comprises removing at least one of anintegrated circuit or a magnetic strip from the thin rectangular rearplate. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit and/or magnetic stripmay be removably attached to the rear plate. In some embodiments, theintegrated circuit and/or magnetic strip are not attached to the rearplate or the front plate, but may be held in place by engagement of thefront plate and/or rear plate when the two plates are attached to eachother. Once the integrated circuit and/or magnetic strip have beenremoved, step 830 comprises reattaching the thin rectangular rear plateto the thin rectangular front plate. Once this step is completed, theresulting modular card will be without

In some embodiments, in step 840, prior to reattaching the thinrectangular rear plate to the thin rectangular front plate, areplacement integrated circuit and/or replacement magnetic strip may beinserted into the thin rectangular rear plate. By inserted a replacementintegrated circuit and/or magnetic strip, the modular credit card canfunction as an entirely separate credit card. The information used toexecute a transaction is typically stored on either or both of theintegrated circuit and magnetic strip. Accordingly, replacing either orboth the integrated circuit and/or magnetic strip may allow the card tobe used to make purchase or other transactions using a different bankaccount or credit account.

In some embodiments, method 800 may be executed by removing theintegrated circuit and reattaching the thin rectangular rear plate tothe thin rectangular front plate such that the payment card is separatedfrom the integrated circuit. Similarly, in some embodiments, method 800may be executed by removing the magnetic strip and reattaching the thinrectangular rear plate to the thin rectangular front plate such that thepayment card is separated from the magnetic strip. In addition toreplacing the integrated circuit and/or magnetic strip, in someembodiments, either or both of these components may be removed from themodular card entirely. When the integrated circuit is removed, the cardwill be unable to execute transactions which require the use of theintegrated circuit. Similarly, if the magnetic strip is removed, thecard will be unable to execute transactions which require the use of themagnetic strip. These techniques may be used in order to controlspending, and to limit potential exposure to security threats which mayexploit the user of the integrated circuit and/or magnetic strip.

In some embodiments, either the integrated circuit or the magnetic stripmay be removed from the modular card and replaced with a replacementcomponent before reassembling the modular card. In some cases, theoriginal integrated circuit or magnetic strip is left in the reassembledcard. In such embodiments, the reassembled card may contain a magneticstrip that contains information related to a particular account and anintegrated circuit which contains information related to a differentaccount. In this configuration, the modular card may be used to replacetwo separate cards. In one non-limiting example, a user may configuredthe modular card to contain a magnetic strip that contains informationrelated to his personal credit card account and an integrated circuitthat contains information related to his business credit card account.The user may then use the same physical card to make transactions fromeach of her personal credit account and his business credit accountbased on the method of using the modular card.

In some embodiments, the module card may be designed to storereplacement integrated circuits and/or magnetic strips within themodular card itself. For example, in some embodiments, the user mayremove the front plate form the modular card, remove a first integratedcircuit that the user has been using to make transactions, and remove asecond integrated circuit from a storage within the modular card. Thesecond integrated circuit may be installed in the operational positionand the first integrated circuit may be placed in the storage. It willbe appreciated that in some embodiments, the total thickness of themodular card may be limited by regulation, custom, and/or the need tofunction with existing card readers. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the components of the modular card are thin enough to allow a frontplate, rear plate, magnetic strip, and integrated circuit to becumulatively within a desired thickness range.

In some embodiments, the modular card includes a front plate which maybe removed, changed, and/or replaced, by the user. In some embodiments,the front plate includes a graphic image on the exterior face oppositethe rear plate. This image may be customized by the user or selectedfrom an assortment of existing front plates. The replaceable front plateallows a user to customize the appearance of the modular card withoutrequesting an entirely new card from the issuing organization. In someembodiments, a single front plate may have two difference graphic imageson opposing faces. For example, a front plate may have an image of theuser and her family on one face, and an image of the user's pets on theother side. In such an example embodiment, the user may be able toremove the front plate showing her family from her modular card, flipthe front plate over and reinstall the front plate so that the images ofher pets is now the exterior face of the card.

In some embodiments, the rear plate may include a graphic image on theexterior and/or interior face as well. In some embodiments, the rearplate may be reversible so that the user may change which image isdisplayed on the exterior or the card.

In some embodiments, the modular payment card comprises a thinrectangular plate with a slot formed in the plate. The slot may beconfigured to receive an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, theplate may also contain a second slot that is configured to receive amagnetic strip. The modular payment card may also comprise a pluralityof fasteners that are fixed to the plate and configured to removablyattach the plate to an object. In some embodiments, the object the plateis fixed to may be a thin rectangular plate but it may be substantiallyany object.

In some embodiments, the disclosed integrated circuit may include atleast one antennae for contactless communication with a card reader. Insuch embodiments, the disclosed modular card is less likely to bephysically inserted into a traditional card reader and therefore, maynot need to be limited to a particular size, shape, or thickness. Inembodiments of the modular card which are not designed to be insertedinto a traditional card reader, the function of a magnetic strip may belimited. Accordingly, some embodiments of the modular card do notinclude a magnetic strip.

In some embodiments, the disclosed modular card may be configured as apendant that may be worn on a lanyard, neckless, or bracelet. In such anembodiments, the modular card may include a front plate, rear plate, andintegrated circuit configured for contactless communication. The usermay use the tap or gesture with the pendant and associated integratedcircuit near a contactless card reader in order to execute atransaction.

In some embodiments, the modular card may not be used as a payment cardbut may be utilized as an access card, security card, smart card,identification card, and/or loyalty card. In such embodiments, themodular magnetic strip and/or integrated circuit may be configured tocontain and/or communicate information which grants access to alocation, confirms an identity, and/or relates to a non-payment account.

In some embodiments the modular card may be configured to be utilized asany combination of the above cards including, for example, a paymentcard. In one non-limiting example, a user may configure her card toinclude a modular magnetic strip associated with her credit cardaccount, thereby allowing the user to use the card to execute creditcard transactions by swiping the card. The user may also configure thesame modular card to include an integrated circuit that grants accessand/or confirms her identity such as, for example, a gym membership.Using this single card, the user may purchase items using the magneticstrip which relates to her credit card account, and also check-in at hergym using the integrated circuit. It will be appreciated that a widevariety of potential combinations may be utilized.

In some embodiments, a user may elect to display a bar-code as a graphicimage on the front and/or rear plate. In such embodiments, for example,the user may be able to execute purchases using a modular integratedcircuit linked to a credit card account and access a secure area, suchas an office building, using a modular magnetic strip which containsinformation related to the user's identity and security clearance. Usingthe same card, the user may also be able to check out books from alibrary by scanning a barcode displayed on the front plate and accrueloyalty points at a local retailer by scanning a separate barcodedisplayed on the rear plate.

In some embodiments, components of the card may be replaced by theprovider of the card. For example, if fraudulent activity is associatedwith a user's account, the card provider may restrict access to thataccount. This action would traditionally, require the card provider tocreate and ship an entirely new card to the user before allowing theuser to utilize the account again. Using a modular card, the provider isable to create and ship a limited number of new components, such as, forexample, an integrated circuit and/or magnetic strip. This allows theprovider to avoid the expense of producing an entirely new card with allof the required components. Multiple components may continue to be usedwith a replacement integrated circuit or magnetic strip, such as, forexample, an antenna, front plate, rear plate, and/or battery. Byincreasing the operating life of multiple card components, the cardprovider may save significant expenses associated with card replacement.

While example embodiments describe, e.g., payment cards, such as creditcards, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is understoodthat the present disclosure encompasses cards used for any purposes,including without limitation payment cards, transaction cards, identitycards, security cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, and the like.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as may be apparent.Functionally equivalent methods and systems within the scope of thedisclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, may be apparent fromthe foregoing representative descriptions. Such modifications andvariations are intended to fall within the scope of the appendedrepresentative claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only bythe terms of the appended representative claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such representative claims are entitled.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

The foregoing description, along with its associated embodiments, hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration only. It is not exhaustiveand does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Thoseskilled in the art may appreciate from the foregoing description thatmodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practicing the disclosed embodiments.For example, the steps described need not be performed in the samesequence discussed or with the same degree of separation. Likewisevarious steps may be omitted, repeated, or combined, as necessary, toachieve the same or similar objectives. Accordingly, the invention isnot limited to the above-described embodiments, but instead is definedby the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have beendescribed with references to the accompanying drawings. It may, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto,and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing fromthe broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims thatfollow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded asan illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A modular payment card, comprising: a rectangularrear plate; a rectangular front plate overlying the rectangular rearplate; a first plurality of fasteners fixed to the rectangular frontplate; and a second plurality of fasteners fixed to the rectangular rearplate, wherein the first plurality of fasteners are configured to engagewith the second plurality of fasteners by snap fit.
 22. The modularpayment card of claim 21, wherein: the first plurality of fastenerscomprises male snap components, and the second plurality of fastenerscomprises female snap components.
 23. The modular payment card of claim21, wherein: the first plurality of fasteners comprises female snapcomponents, and the second plurality of fasteners comprises male snapcomponents.
 24. The modular payment card of claim 21, further comprisinga retaining groove.
 25. The modular payment card of claim 24, whereinthe retaining groove comprises a cutout.
 26. The modular payment card ofclaim 24, wherein the retaining groove is configured to restrainmovement of the rectangular front plate in a plane substantiallyparallel to the rear plate.
 27. The modular payment card of claim 21,wherein a magnetic strip and an integrated circuit are fixed to therectangular rear plate.
 28. The modular payment card of claim 27,wherein: the rectangular rear plate includes an indentation configuredto receive the integrated circuit, and the magnetic strip is fixed tothe rectangular rear plate.
 29. The modular payment card of claim 27,wherein: the rectangular rear plate includes an indentation configuredto receive the magnetic strip, and the integrated circuit is fixed tothe rectangular rear plate.
 30. The modular payment card of claim 21,wherein: the rectangular front plate includes a first micro-ridge on aface adjacent to the rectangular rear plate, the rectangular rear plateincludes a second micro-ridge on a second face adjacent to therectangular front plate, and the first micro-ridge and the secondmicro-ridge engage to prevent the rectangular front plate and therectangular rear plate from moving relatively in at least a firstdirection.
 31. The modular payment card of claim 30, wherein: therectangular front plate includes a third micro-ridge on a face adjacentto the rectangular rear plate, the rectangular rear plate includes afourth micro-ridge on a second face adjacent to the rectangular frontplate, and the third micro-ridge and the fourth micro-ridge engage toprevent the rectangular front plate and the rectangular rear plate frommoving relatively in at least a second direction.
 32. The modularpayment card of claim 21, further comprising a magnetic strip, whereinthe second plurality of fasteners is offset from the magnetic strip in adirection parallel to a plane of the rectangular rear plate.
 33. Themodular payment card of claim 21, wherein: the second plurality offasteners extends outward from the rectangular rear plate toward therectangular front plate, and the first plurality of fasteners are setinto the rectangular front plate and are configured to receive thesecond plurality of fasteners.
 34. A method of replacing a component ofa modular payment card, wherein: the modular payment card comprises arectangular front plate overlying a rectangular rear plate, the modularpayment card comprises a first plurality of fasteners fixed to therectangular front plate and a second plurality of fasteners fixed to therectangular rear plate, and the first plurality of fasteners are engagedwith the second plurality of fasteners by snap fit, the methodcomprising the steps of: separating the rectangular rear plate from therectangular front plate overlying the rectangular rear plate such that afirst plurality of fasteners disengage from the second plurality offasteners; removing at least one of an integrated circuit or a magneticstrip from the rectangular rear plate; and reattaching the rectangularrear plate to the rectangular front plate.
 35. The method of replacing acomponent of a modular payment card of claim 34, wherein reattaching therectangular rear plate to the rectangular front plate comprises engagingthe first plurality of fasteners with the second plurality of fasteners.36. The method of replacing a component of a modular payment card ofclaim 34, further comprising, prior to reattaching the rectangular rearplate to the rectangular front plate, inserting at least one of areplacement integrated circuit or a replacement magnetic strip.
 37. Amodular payment card, comprising: a rectangular plate; a first slotformed in the rectangular plate configured to receive an integratedcircuit; a second slot formed in the rectangular plate configured toreceive a magnetic strip; and a plurality of fasteners fixed to therectangular plate and configured to removably attach the rectangularplate to an object, wherein the plurality of fasteners engage by snapfit.
 38. The modular payment card of claim 37, wherein the rectangularfront plate includes a first graphic image on a face opposite therectangular rear plate.
 39. The modular payment card of claim 38,wherein the first graphic image is customizable in response to userinput.
 40. The modular payment card of claim 39, wherein the rectangularfront plate includes a second graphic image on a second face opposingthe graphic image.